A Victorian landmark has been lit up - along with the names of Redcar and Cleveland's fallen heroes - in a #500,000 scheme.

Saltburn's pier and cliff lift, and the cenotaph on Coatham Road, Redcar, are now illuminated through Redcar and Cleveland Council's Lighting Our Culture project.

Norman Bainbridge, chairman of Friends of Saltburn Pier, said: "The cliff lift looks spectacular, while the pier silhouetted by the sea looks impressive. The whole effect is magical." Mr Bainbridge, who switched on the lights with Friends member Tony Lynn, added: "I'm sure it will bring a lot more evening visitors."

Forces' veterans took part in a service before the switch-on at the war memorial. Redcar Royal British Legion secretary Eric Howden, who has long campaigned for improvements, switched on the lights with Mayor Peter Spencer.

Mr Howden said: "Around 150 veterans with 18 standards were on parade for the service. Lighting it up really sets the cenotaph off and makes it more prominent in the town."

The pier, cliff lift and cenotaph will be illuminated from dusk to midnight all year.

The #12,250 cenotaph scheme has been financed through West Redcar Single Regeneration Budget, with a contribution from the council.

Lighting up the pier and cliff lift cost #385,000 as part of major planned improvements to the upper promenade, managed by Groundwork South Tees.

Funding for the Saltburn scheme - one element of the Coastal Arc joint initiative between the council and Hartlepool Council - came from One NorthEast through the Tees Valley Partnership, with contributions from Friends of Saltburn Pier and Saltburn Pier Amusements.

Councillor Vera Moody, cabinet member for economic development, said: "This is the start of further lighting projects throughout the rest of the borough, subject to further funding being secured."

The lighting scheme was installed by Bartram Walker, part of the Esh Group.